U.S. patent application number 12/900408 was filed with the patent office on 2011-04-14 for method for removing icon in mobile terminal and mobile terminal using the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to LG ELECTRONICS INC.. Invention is credited to Meeyeon Choi, Jungseok Hong, Inyoung Hwang, Kyesook Jeong, Hyunsuk Jung, Byoungnam Lee, Kyueun Lee.
Application Number | 20110087981 12/900408 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43855814 |
Filed Date | 2011-04-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110087981 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jeong; Kyesook ; et
al. |
April 14, 2011 |
METHOD FOR REMOVING ICON IN MOBILE TERMINAL AND MOBILE TERMINAL
USING THE SAME
Abstract
A method for removing an icon in a mobile terminal is presented.
The method includes, displaying an icon display area and a menu
area on a display screen of the mobile terminal, wherein the icon
is displayed in the icon display area and a predetermined executing
icon menu is displayed in the menu area, selecting the icon,
modifying the menu displayed in the menu area to a removing menu
when a preliminary removing signal is input on the selected icon,
and removing the selected icon in response to the movement of the
selected icon to a predetermined area of the removing area
Inventors: |
Jeong; Kyesook; (Seoul,
KR) ; Hwang; Inyoung; (Seoul, KR) ; Choi;
Meeyeon; (Seoul, KR) ; Hong; Jungseok; (Seoul,
KR) ; Jung; Hyunsuk; (Seoul, KR) ; Lee;
Byoungnam; (Seoul, KR) ; Lee; Kyueun; (Seoul,
KR) |
Assignee: |
LG ELECTRONICS INC.
|
Family ID: |
43855814 |
Appl. No.: |
12/900408 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
715/765 ;
715/769 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/04883 20130101;
G06F 3/04817 20130101; G06F 3/0486 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/765 ;
715/769 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 9, 2009 |
KR |
10-2009-0096047 |
Claims
1. A method for removing an icon in a mobile terminal, the method
comprising: displaying an icon display area and a menu area on a
display screen of the mobile terminal, wherein the icon is
displayed in the icon display area and a predetermined executing
icon menu is displayed in the menu area; selecting the icon;
modifying the menu displayed in the menu area to a removing menu
when a preliminary removing signal is input on the selected icon;
and removing the selected icon in response to the movement of the
selected icon to a predetermined area of the removing area.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: displaying a first
wallpaper in the icon display area.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the preliminary removing signal
is a touch and drag input.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein a plurality of files associated
with a folder are displayed when the icon is a folder and the
folder is placed within the predetermined vicinity of the removing
area.
5. The method of claim 2, further comprising: setting at least a
second wallpaper or a third wallpaper in a virtual space adjacent
to the first wallpaper and changing the first wallpaper to the
second wallpaper or third wallpaper in response to a wallpaper
changing signal.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the removing area comprises a
temporary removing area and a permanent removing area.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: displaying a list of
temporarily removed icons when the temporary removing area is
selected; and restoring a removed icon selected from the list of
temporarily removed icons on a currently displayed wallpaper if a
restoring command is selected for the removed icon.
8. A mobile terminal comprising a method for removing an icon, the
mobile terminal comprising: a touch screen configured to display an
icon display area and a menu area, wherein the icon is displayed in
the icon display area and an executing icon is displayed in the
menu area; and a controller configured to modify the menu area to a
removing area if a predetermined removing signal is input on an
icon selected from the icon display area.
9. The mobile terminal of claim 8, wherein the controller removes
the selected icon if the selected icon is placed within a
predetermined proximity to the removed area.
10. The mobile terminal of claim 8, wherein the icon is associated
with an executable program, a file, or a folder.
11. The mobile terminal of claim 9, wherein the predetermined
removing signal may be generated by one of a touch and drag input
to the icon or an input for a predetermined period of time.
12. The mobile terminal of claim 10, wherein the folder comprises a
plurality of files, and the controller displays the plurality of
files as a preview prior to removal of the folder.
13. The mobile terminal of claim 9, wherein the removing area
comprises a temporary removing area and a permanent removing
area.
14. The mobile terminal of claim 13, wherein the controller
controls a list of temporarily removed files to be displayed when
the temporary removing area is selected, and restores a file
selected from the list of temporarily removed files if a restoring
command is input for the selected file.
15. A mobile terminal using a method for removing an icon, the
mobile terminal comprising: a touch screen configured to display an
icon display area and a menu display area, wherein the icon is
displayed in the icon display area and an executing icon is
displayed in the menu area; and a controller configured to control
the touch screen to modify the menu area to a removing area when a
removing preliminary signal is input on a selected icon, and the
selected icon is removed when the selected icon is dragged and
dropped to a predetermined vicinity of the removing area.
16. The mobile terminal of claim 15, wherein the icon is associated
with an executable program, a file, or a folder.
17. The mobile terminal of claim 16, wherein the folder comprises a
plurality of files, and the controller displays the plurality of
files as a preview prior to removal of the folder.
18. The mobile terminal of claim 15, wherein the removing area
comprises a temporary removing area and a permanent removing
area.
19. The mobile terminal of claim 18, wherein the controller
controls the touch screen to display a list of temporarily removed
icons when the temporary removing area is selected, and restore an
icon selected from the list of temporarily removed icons when a
restoring command is input for the selected icon.
20. The mobile terminal of claim 15, wherein the icon display area
and the menu display area are displayed on a wallpaper.
21. A method for executing a function associated with an icon in a
mobile terminal, the method comprising: displaying at least one
icon in an icon display area and a menu in a menu area on a touch
screen of the mobile terminal; selecting an icon from the at least
one icon displayed in the icon display area; modifying the menu
displayed in the menu area to at least one application icon
associated with an application which may execute a function
associated with the selected icon; and executing the function
associated with the selected icon when the selected icon is placed
over an application icon from the at least one application icon
displayed in the menu area.
22. A method for executing a function associated with an icon in a
mobile terminal, the method comprising: displaying at least one
icon in an icon display area and a menu in a menu area on a touch
screen of the mobile terminal; selecting an icon from the at least
one icon displayed in the icon display area; modifying at least a
shape, size, or color of the selected icon; modifying the menu
displayed in the menu area to a removing menu when a preliminary
removing signal is input on the selected icon; and displaying
information associated with the selected icon when the selected
icon is placed to within a predetermined vicinity of the removing
menu.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2009-0096047, filed on Oct. 9, 2009, which is
hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present disclosure relates to a method for removing an
icon displayed on a mobile terminal, and a mobile terminal using
the same.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Generally, terminals can be classified into mobile terminals
and stationary terminals. The mobile terminals can be further
classified into handheld terminals and vehicle mount terminals
according to the terminals' portability.
[0006] Terminals may be implemented as multimedia players provided
with composite functions such as capturing still and moving images,
playback of music, game play, broadcast reception, and the
like.
[0007] Improvements to hardware and software of the terminals may
be considered in order to increase the functionality of a
terminal.
[0008] Furthermore, the increased diversification of a UI (User
Interface) of a terminal requires for the selection, execution, and
removal of various menus on the terminal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Features and advantages of the invention will be set forth
in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from
the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be
realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in
the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended
drawings.
[0010] According to one embodiment, a method for removing an icon
in a mobile terminal is presented. The method includes displaying
an icon display area and a menu area on a display screen of the
mobile terminal, wherein the icon is displayed in the icon display
area and a predetermined executing icon menu is displayed in the
menu area, selecting the icon, modifying the menu displayed in the
menu area to a removing menu when a preliminary removing signal is
input on the selected icon, and removing the selected icon in
response to the movement of the selected icon to a predetermined
area of the removing area.
[0011] According to one feature, the method also includes
displaying a first wallpaper in the icon display area. Furthermore,
wherein the preliminary removing signal is a touch and drag
input.
[0012] According to another feature, a plurality of files
associated with a folder are displayed when the icon is a folder
and the folder is placed within the predetermined vicinity of the
removing area.
[0013] According to yet another feature, the method also includes
setting at least a second wallpaper or a third wallpaper in a
virtual space adjacent to the first wallpaper and changing the
first wallpaper to the second wallpaper or third wallpaper in
response to a wallpaper changing signal. Furthermore, the removing
area comprises a temporary removing area and a permanent removing
area.
[0014] According to still yet another feature, the method includes
displaying a list of temporarily removed icons when the temporary
removing area is selected, and restoring a removed icon selected
from the list of temporarily removed icons on a currently displayed
wallpaper if a restoring command is selected for the removed
icon.
[0015] According to another embodiment, a mobile terminal
comprising a method for removing an icon is presented. The mobile
terminal includes a touch screen configured to display an icon
display area and a menu area, wherein the icon is displayed in the
icon display area and an executing icon is displayed in the menu
area and a controller configured to modify the menu area to a
removing area if a predetermined removing signal is input on an
icon selected from the icon display area.
[0016] According to yet another embodiment, a method for executing
a function associated with an icon in a mobile terminal is
presented. The method includes displaying at least one icon in an
icon display area and a menu in a menu area on a touch screen of
the mobile terminal, selecting an icon from the at least one icon
displayed in the icon display area, modifying the menu displayed in
the menu area to at least one application icon associated with an
application which may execute a function associated with the
selected icon, and executing the function associated with the
selected icon when the selected icon is placed over an application
icon from the at least one application icon displayed in the menu
area.
[0017] According to still yet another embodiment, a method for
executing a function associated with an icon in a mobile terminal
is presented. The method includes, displaying at least one icon in
an icon display area and a menu in a menu area on a touch screen of
the mobile terminal, selecting an icon from the at least one icon
displayed in the icon display area, modifying at least a shape,
size, or color of the selected icon, modifying the menu displayed
in the menu area to a removing menu when a preliminary removing
signal is input on the selected icon, and displaying information
associated with the selected icon when the selected icon is placed
to within a predetermined vicinity of the removing menu.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of
the disclosure and together with the description serve to explain
the principle of the disclosure. In the drawings:
[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIGS. 2A and 2B are a perspective view of a mobile terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for removing an icon in a mobile
terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for restoring a removed icon according
to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 5 is an image diagram for a wallpaper application
applicable to a method for removing an icon in mobile terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate removing an icon in a mobile terminal
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIGS. 7A-7G illustrate removing an icon in a mobile terminal
and for storing the removed icon executing a menu in a mobile
terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate removing an icon in a mobile
terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0027] The suffixes `module`, `unit` and `part` may be used for
elements in order to facilitate the disclosure. Significant
meanings or roles may not be given to the suffixes themselves and
it is understood that the `module`, `unit` and `part` may be used
together or interchangeably.
[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to
various types of terminals. Examples of such terminals may include
mobile terminals as well as stationary terminals, mobile phones,
user equipment, smart phones, DTV, computers, digital broadcast
terminals, personal digital assistants, portable multimedia players
(PMP) and/or navigators.
[0029] Descriptions may be provided below with regard to a mobile
terminal. However, such teachings may apply equally to other types
of terminals.
[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal in accordance
with an example embodiment. Other embodiments and arrangements may
also be provided. FIG. 1 shows a mobile terminal 100 having various
components, although other components may also be used. More or
less components may alternatively be implemented.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows that the mobile terminal 100 includes a
wireless communication unit 110, an audio/video (A/V) input unit
120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150,
a memory 160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180 and a power
supply 190.
[0032] The wireless communication unit 110 may be configured with
several components and/or modules. The wireless communication unit
110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile
communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a
short-range communication module 114 and a position-location module
115. The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more
components that permit wireless communication between the mobile
terminal 100 and a wireless communication system or a network
within which the mobile terminal 100 is located. In case of
non-mobile terminals, the wireless communication unit 110 may be
replaced with a wired communication unit. The wireless
communication unit 110 and the wired communication unit may be
commonly referred to as a communication unit.
[0033] Examples of broadcast associated information may include
information associated with a broadcast channel, a broadcast
program, a broadcast service provider, etc. For example, broadcast
associated information may include an electronic program guide
(EPG) of a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) system and an
electronic service guide (ESG) of a digital video
broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system.
[0034] The broadcast signal may be a TV broadcast signal, a radio
broadcast signal, and/or a data broadcast signal. The broadcast
signal may further include a broadcast signal combined with a TV or
radio broadcast signal.
[0035] The broadcast receiving module 111 may receive broadcast
signals transmitted from various types of broadcast systems. As a
non-limiting example, the broadcasting systems may include a
digital multimedia broadcasting-terrestrial (DMB-T) system, a
digital multimedia broadcasting-satellite (DMB-S) system, a digital
video broadcast-handheld (DVB-H) system, a data broadcasting system
known as media forward link only (MediaFLO.RTM.) and an integrated
services digital broadcast-terrestrial (ISDB-T) system. Reception
of multicast signals may also be provided. Data received by the
broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory 160, for
example.
[0036] The mobile communication module 112 may communicate wireless
signals with one or more network entities (e.g. a base station or
Node-B). The signals may represent audio, video, multimedia,
control signaling, and data, etc.
[0037] The wireless Internet module 113 may support Internet access
for the mobile terminal 100. This wireless Internet module 113 may
be internally or externally coupled to the mobile terminal 100.
Suitable technologies for wireless Internet may include, but are
not limited to, WLAN (Wireless LAN)(Wi-Fi), Wibro (Wireless
broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access),
and/or HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access). The wireless
Internet module 113 may be replaced with a wired Internet module in
non-mobile terminals. The wireless Internet module 113 and the
wired Internet module may be referred to as an Internet module.
[0038] The short-range communication module 114 may facilitate
short-range communications. Suitable technologies for short-range
communication may include, but are not limited to, radio frequency
identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA),
ultra-wideband (UWB), as well as networking technologies such as
Bluetooth and ZigBee.
[0039] The position-location module 115 may identify or otherwise
obtain a location of the mobile terminal 100. The position-location
module 115 may be provided using global positioning system (GPS)
components that cooperate with associated satellites, network
components, and/or combinations thereof.
[0040] The position-location module 115 may precisely calculate
current three-dimensional position information based on longitude,
latitude and altitude by calculating distance information and
precise time information from at least three satellites and then by
applying triangulation to the calculated information. Location and
time information may be calculated using three satellites, and
errors of the calculated location position and time information may
then be amended or changed using another satellite. The
position-location module 115 may calculate speed information by
continuously calculating a real-time current location.
[0041] The audio/video (A/V) input unit 120 may provide audio or
video signal input to the mobile terminal 100. The A/V input unit
120 may include a camera 121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121
may receive and process image frames of still pictures and/or
video.
[0042] The microphone 122 may receive an external audio signal
while the mobile terminal is in a particular mode, such as a phone
call mode, a recording mode and/or a voice recognition mode. The
received audio signal may then be processed and converted into
digital data.
[0043] The mobile terminal 100, and in particular, the A/V input
unit 120, may include a noise removing algorithm (or noise
canceling algorithm) to remove noise generated in the course of
receiving the external audio signal. Data generated by the A/V
input unit 120 may be stored in the memory 160, utilized by the
output unit 150, and/or transmitted via one or more modules of the
wireless communication unit 110. Two or more microphones and/or
cameras may also be provided.
[0044] The user input unit 130 may generate input data responsive
to user manipulation of an associated input device or devices.
Examples of such devices may include a keypad, a dome switch, a
touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jog wheel and/or a
jog switch. A specific example is one in which the user input unit
130 is configured as a touchpad in cooperation with a display, as
will be described below.
[0045] The broadcast receiving module 111 may receive a broadcast
signal and/or broadcast associated information from an external
broadcast managing entity via a broadcast channel. The broadcast
channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel.
The broadcast managing entity may refer to a system that transmits
a broadcast signal and/or broadcast associated information.
[0046] At least two broadcast receiving modules 111 may be provided
in the mobile terminal 100 to pursue simultaneous reception of at
least two broadcast channels or facilitation of broadcast channel
switching.
[0047] The sensing unit 140 may provide status measurements of
various aspects of the mobile terminal 100. For example, the
sensing unit 140 may detect an open/close status (or state) of the
mobile terminal 100, a relative positioning of components (e.g., a
display and a keypad) of the mobile terminal 100, a change of
position of the mobile terminal 100 or a component of the mobile
terminal 100, a presence or absence of user contact with the mobile
terminal 100, and/or an orientation or acceleration/deceleration of
the mobile terminal 100. The sensing unit 140 may also comprise a
proximity sensor 141.
[0048] The mobile terminal 100 may be configured as a slide-type
mobile terminal. In such a configuration, the sensing unit 140 may
sense whether a sliding portion of the mobile terminal 100 is
opened or closed. The sensing unit 140 may also sense presence or
absence of power provided by the power supply 190, presence or
absence of a coupling or other connection between the interface
unit 170 and an external device, etc.
[0049] The output unit 150 may generate an output relevant to a
visual sense, an auditory sense, a tactile sense and/or the like.
The output unit 150 may include a display 151, an audio output
module 152, an alarm 153, a haptic module 154, and/or the like.
[0050] The display 151 may display (output) information processed
by the terminal 100. For example, in case that the terminal is in a
call mode, the display 151 may display a user interface (UI) or a
graphic user interface (GUI) associated with the call. If the
mobile terminal 100 is in a video communication mode or a
photograph mode, the display 151 may display a photographed and/or
received picture, a UI or a GUI.
[0051] The display 151 may include at least one of a liquid crystal
display (LCD), a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT
LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a flexible display,
and a three-dimensional (3D) display.
[0052] The display 151 may have a transparent or light-transmissive
type configuration to enable an external environment to be seen
through. This may be called a transparent display. A transparent
OLED (TOLED) may be an example of a transparent display. A backside
structure of the display 151 may also have the light-transmissive
type configuration. In this configuration, a user may see an object
located behind the terminal body through the area occupied by the
display 151 of the terminal body.
[0053] At least two displays 151 may also be provided. For example,
a plurality of displays may be provided on a single face of the
terminal 100 by being built in one body or spaced apart from the
single face. Alternatively, each of a plurality of displays may be
provided on different faces of the terminal 100.
[0054] If the display 151 and a sensor for detecting a touch action
(hereafter a touch sensor) are constructed in a mutual-layered
structure (hereafter a touchscreen), the display 151 may be used as
an input device as well as an output device. For example, the touch
sensor may include a touch film, a touch sheet, a touchpad and/or
the like.
[0055] The touch sensor may convert a pressure applied to a
specific portion of the display 151 or a variation of electrostatic
capacity generated from a specific portion of the display 151 to an
electric input signal. The touch sensor may detect a pressure of a
touch as well as a position and size of the touch.
[0056] If a touch input is provided to the touch sensor, signal(s)
corresponding to the touch input may be transferred to a touch
controller. The touch controller may process the signal(s) and then
transfer corresponding data to the controller 180. The controller
180 may therefore know which portion of the display 151 is
touched.
[0057] The audio output module 152 may output audio data that is
received from the wireless communication unit 110 in a call signal
reception mode, a call mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition
mode, a broadcast receiving mode and/or the like. The audio output
module 152 may output audio data stored in the memory 160. The
audio output module 152 may output an audio signal relevant to a
function (e.g., a call signal receiving sound, a message receiving
sound, etc.) performed by the mobile terminal 100. The audio output
module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer and/or the
like.
[0058] The alarm 153 may output a signal for announcing an event
occurrence of the mobile terminal 100. An event occurring in the
mobile terminal 100 may include one of a call signal reception, a
message reception, a key signal input, a touch input and/or the
like. The alarm 153 may output a signal for announcing an event
occurrence by way of vibration or the like as well as a video
signal or an audio signal. The video signal may be outputted via
the display 151. The audio signal may be outputted via the audio
output module 152. The display 151 or the audio output module 152
may be classified as part of the alarm 153.
[0059] The haptic module 154 may bring about various haptic effects
that can be sensed by a user. Vibration is a representative example
for the haptic effect brought about by the haptic module 154.
Strength and pattern of the vibration generated from the haptic
module 154 may be controllable. For example, vibrations differing
from each other may be outputted in a manner of being synthesized
together or may be sequentially outputted.
[0060] The haptic module 154 may generate various haptic effects
including a vibration, an effect caused by such a stimulus as a pin
array vertically moving against a contact skin surface, a jet power
of air via outlet, a suction power of air via inlet, a skim on a
skin surface, a contact of an electrode, an electrostatic power and
the like, and/or an effect by hot/cold sense reproduction using an
endothermic or exothermic device as well as the vibration.
[0061] The haptic module 154 may provide the haptic effect via
direct contact. The haptic module 154 may enable a user to
experience the haptic effect via muscular sense of a finger, an arm
and/or the like. Two or more haptic modules 154 may be provided
according to a configuration of the mobile terminal 100.
[0062] The memory 160 may store a program for operations of the
controller 180. The memory 160 may temporarily store input/output
data (e.g., phonebook, message, still picture, moving picture,
etc.). The memory 160 may store data of vibration and sound in
various patterns outputted in case of a touch input to the
touchscreen.
[0063] The memory 160 may include at least one of a flash memory, a
hard disk, a multimedia card micro type memory, a card type memory
(e.g., SD memory, XD memory, etc.), a random access memory (RAM), a
static random access memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an
electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, a programmable
read-only memory, a magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, an optical
disk, and/or the like. The mobile terminal 100 may operate in
association with a web storage that performs a storage function of
the memory 160 in the Internet.
[0064] The interface unit 170 may play a role as a passage to
external devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The
interface unit 170 may receive data from an external device. The
interface unit 170 may be supplied with a power and then the power
may be delivered to elements within the mobile terminal 100. The
interface unit 170 may enable data to be transferred to an external
device from an inside of the mobile terminal 100. The interface
unit 170 may include a wired/wireless headset port, an external
charger port, a wired/wireless data port, a memory card port, a
port for coupling to a device having an identity module, an audio
input/output (I/O) port, a video input/output (I/O) port, an
earphone port and/or the like.
[0065] The controller 180 may control overall operations of the
mobile terminal 100. For example, the controller 180 may perform
control and processing relevant to a voice call, a data
communication, a video conference and/or the like. The controller
180 may have a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The
multimedia module 181 may be implemented within the controller 180
or may be configured separate from the controller 180.
[0066] The controller 180 may perform pattern recognizing
processing for recognizing a handwriting input performed on the
touchscreen as a character and/or recognizing a picture drawing
input performed on the touchscreen as an image. Embodiments of the
present disclosure explained in the following description may be
implemented within a recording medium that can be read by a
computer or a computer-like device using software, hardware or
combination thereof.
[0067] According to the hardware implementation, arrangements and
embodiments may be implemented using at least one of application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors
(DSPs), digital signal processing devices DSPDs), programmable
logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs),
processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors and
electrical units for performing other functions. In some cases,
embodiments may be implemented by the controller 180.
[0068] For a software implementation, arrangements and embodiments
described herein may be implemented with separate software modules,
such as procedures and functions, each of which may perform one or
more of the functions and operations described herein. Software
codes may be implemented with a software application written in any
suitable programming language and may be stored in memory such as
the memory 160, and may be executed by a controller or processor,
such as the controller 180.
[0069] FIG. 2A is a front-view of a mobile terminal according to an
example embodiment. Other embodiments, configurations and
arrangements may also be provided.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 2A, the mobile terminal 100 may include a
bar type terminal body. Embodiments of the mobile terminal may be
implemented in a variety of different configurations. Examples of
such configurations may include a folder-type, a slide-type, a
bar-type, a rotational-type, a swing-type and/or combinations
thereof.
[0071] The body may include a case (casing, housing, cover, etc.)
that forms an exterior of the terminal. The case may be divided
into a front case 101 and a rear case 102. Various
electric/electronic parts may be provided in a space between the
front case 101 and the rear case 102. A middle case may be further
provided between the front case 101 and the rear case 102.
[0072] The cases may be formed by injection molding of synthetic
resin or may be formed of a metal substance such as stainless steel
(STS), titanium (Ti) or the like, for example.
[0073] The display 151, the audio output unit 152, the camera 121,
user input units 130/131/132, the microphone 122, the interface
unit 170 and the like may be provided on the terminal body, and
more particularly on the front case 101.
[0074] The display 151 may occupy most of a main face of the front
case 101. The audio output module 152 and the camera 121 may be
provided at an area adjacent to one end portion of the display 151,
while the user input unit 131 and the microphone 122 may be
provided at another area adjacent to the other end portion of the
display 151. The user input unit 132 and the interface unit 170 may
be provided on lateral sides of the front and rear cases 101 and
102.
[0075] The user input unit 130 may receive a command for
controlling an operation of the mobile terminal 100. The user input
unit 130 may include a plurality of manipulating units 131 and 132.
The manipulating units 131 and 132 may be called a manipulating
portion and may adopt any mechanism of a tactile manner that
enables a user to perform a manipulation action by experiencing a
tactile feeling.
[0076] Content input by the first manipulating unit 131 or the
second manipulating unit 132 may be diversely set. For example, a
command such as start, end, scroll, or the like may be inputted to
the first manipulating unit 131. A command for a volume adjustment
of sound outputted from the audio output unit 152, a command for a
switching to a touch recognizing mode of the display 151 or the
like may be inputted to the second manipulating unit 132.
[0077] FIG. 2B is a perspective diagram of a backside of the mobile
terminal shown in FIG. 2A. Other embodiments, configurations and
arrangements may also be provided.
[0078] As shown in FIG. 2B, a camera 121' may be additionally
provided on a backside of the terminal body, and more particularly
on the rear case 102. The camera 121' may have a photographing
direction that is substantially opposite to a photographing
direction of the camera 121 (shown in FIG. 2A) and may have pixels
differing from pixels of the camera 121.
[0079] For example, the camera 121 may have a lower number of
pixels to capture and transmit a picture of a user's face for a
video call, while the camera 121' may have a greater number of
pixels for capturing a general subject for photography without
transmitting the captured subject. Each of the cameras 121 and 121'
may be installed on the terminal body to be rotated and/or popped
up.
[0080] A flash 123 and a mirror 124 may be additionally provided
adjacent to the camera 121'. The flash 123 may project light toward
a subject in case of photographing the subject using the camera
121'. If a user attempts to take a picture of the user
(self-photography) using the camera 121', the mirror 124 may enable
the user to view a user's face reflected by the mirror 124.
[0081] An additional audio output unit 152' may be provided on the
backside of the terminal body. The additional audio output unit
152' may implement a stereo function together with the audio output
unit 152 shown in FIG. 2A and may be used for implementation of a
speakerphone mode in talking over the terminal.
[0082] A broadcast signal receiving antenna 116 may be additionally
provided at the lateral side of the terminal body as well as an
antenna for communication or the like. The antenna 116 may be
considered a portion of the broadcast receiving module 111 shown in
FIG. 1 and may be retractably provided on the terminal body.
[0083] The power supply 190 for supplying a power to the mobile
terminal 100 may be provided to the terminal body. The power supply
190 may be built within the terminal body. Alternatively, the power
supply 190 may be detachably connected to the terminal body.
[0084] FIG. 2B also shows a touchpad 135 for detecting a touch that
is additionally provided on the rear case 102. The touchpad 135 may
be configured as a light-transmissive type like the display 151. If
the display 151 outputs visual information from both faces, the
display 151 may recognize visual information via the touchpad 135
as well. The information outputted from both of the faces may be
controlled by the touchpad 135. Alternatively, a display may be
further provided to the touchpad 135 so that a touchscreen may also
be provided to the rear case 102.
[0085] The touchpad 135 may be activated by interconnecting with
the display 151 of the front case 101. The touchpad 135 may be
provided in rear of the display 151 in parallel to one another. The
touchpad 135 may have a size equal to or less than a size of the
display 151.
[0086] In the following description, a method for removing an icon
in a mobile terminal and a method for restoring the removed icon
according to the method for removing the icon will be explained,
referring to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0087] FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a method of removing an
icon in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for restoring a removed icon in a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0088] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a display of the mobile terminal
may be divided into an icon display area and a menu area. The icon
display area may display an icon and the menu area may display an
executing icon (S1). The icon may include a folder, a file, or a
widget. A widget may refer to an executable program. The executing
icon may include an icon for executing a program or a function,
such as, a text message icon, a call icon, a telephone number icon,
and an Internet icon.
[0089] An icon displayed in the icon display area may be selected
in order to generate a preliminary removing signal (S2). The menu
area may display a removing icon in response to the preliminary
removing signal (S3).
[0090] The generation of the preliminary removing signal may be
generated via various selection techniques, such as a touch and
drag motion towards the menu area, or may be generated by a touch
signal on the selected icon for a predetermined time period.
[0091] The selected icon is deleted when the selected icon is
placed on the removing icon in the menu area (S4 and S5). The menu
area may include a temporary removing icon and a permanent removing
icon. Additionally, the selected icon does not have to be placed
exactly over the removing icon and may be placed within a
predetermined vicinity in order to execute the removal process.
[0092] A method for restoring a removed icon in a mobile terminal
will be explained with reference to FIG. 4.
[0093] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for restoring a removed icon in a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 4, if a user inputs a long touch input to
the menu area in the display on the touch screen, the menu area may
display a removing icon (S11). Although the present embodiment has
described a long touch input to the menu area in order to display
the removing icon, other methods for displaying the removing icon
by one skilled in the art may be applied. The menu area may also
display a temporary removing icon and a permanent removing
icon.
[0095] Furthermore, the user may simply change the wallpaper via a
flicking signal (S12), details of which will be explained with
reference to FIG. 5.
[0096] If the temporary removing icon is displayed and selected
(S13), the icon which was previously removed may be displayed on
the display in the form of an icon or a list (S14). If at least one
of the displayed icons is selected to generate a restoring command
signal (S15), the selected icon is restored and displayed on the
changed wallpaper. That is, the icon is not restored on the
original wallpaper but the icon is restored on a screen currently
displayed on the display.
[0097] Moreover, if the permanent removing icon is selected to
restore a removed icon, the removed icon is restored on the
original position, details of which will be explained with
reference to FIG. 6.
[0098] A wallpaper application in which a method for restoring an
icon and a method for removing an icon in a mobile terminal will be
described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.
[0099] FIG. 5 illustrates a wallpaper application applicable to a
method for removing an icon in mobile terminal according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0100] A first wallpaper 200 may be displayed on the display of the
mobile terminal 100. A second wallpaper 200-1 and a third wallpaper
200-2 may be arranged in virtual space adjacent to the first
wallpaper. Specifically, the memory 160 may store a plurality of
wallpapers, only one of which is displayed on the display.
[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first wallpaper 200 may
include a display area 210 comprising a clock widget 211, a weather
widget 212, and a calendar widget 213, and a menu area 220
displayed with executing icons comprising a text message icon, a
call icon, a telephone number icon, and Internet icon.
[0102] As an example, if the user generates a wallpaper change
signal for one direction, such as a right signal 202, the third
wallpaper 200-2 is moved to the display and may replace the first
wallpaper 200. Conversely, if the user generates a wallpaper change
signal in another direction, such as a left signal 204, the second
wallpaper 200-1 moves to the display to replace the first wallpaper
200.
[0103] As illustrated, the second wallpaper 200-1 may comprise an
ez-i icon, a camera icon, a hot number icon, and a message icon,
and the third wallpaper 200-2 may comprise a camera icon, a DMB
icon, and an MP3 icon.
[0104] Furthermore, the first wallpaper, the second wallpaper, and
the third wallpaper comprise a virtual three-dimensional (3D)
space, such that the wallpaper may be changed in the same manner as
a user's view is changed from a first surface to a second surface.
According to the aforementioned wallpaper concept, the user can
establish a plurality of wallpapers and easily change the wallpaper
using a directional signal.
[0105] A method for removing an icon in mobile terminal will now be
described in detail.
[0106] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate a method for removing an icon in a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIGS. 7A-7G illustrate a method for removing an icon in
a mobile terminal and a method for storing the removed icon in a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a method for removing an icon
in a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0107] FIG. 6A illustrates a wallpaper 200 comprising an icon
display area 210 and a menu area 220. Various icons, such as, a
clock widget 211, a weather widget 212, and a calendar widget 213,
may be displayed in the icon display area 210. Additionally, a menu
area 220 may display various execution icons, such as, a text
message icon 221, a call icon 222, a telephone number icon 223, and
an Internet icon 224. The widget displayed on the display area 210
may be displayed as a tile-type icon or 3D icon.
[0108] As an example, if the user selects the weather widget 212
and drags the weather widget 212 to the menu area 220, the menu
area may change to a removing area 220-1. In other words, the icons
displayed in the menu area 2201 will now display a remove icon
(FIG. 6B). The removing area refers to the remove icons displayed
in the menu area. Furthermore, if a touch for a predetermined time
period is input to the weather widget 212, the menu area may change
to the removing area. Thus, if the menu area 220 is changed to the
removing area 220-1, the widgets which were not selected would be
temporarily removed from the icon display area 210.
[0109] Additionally, the controller 180 may delete the weather
widget 212 if the weather widget 212 dragged to a predetermined
vicinity of the removing area, such as the border (FIG. 6C). As a
result of the removal, a removal completion message 230 may be
displayed as shown in FIG. 6D. Furthermore, the removing area may
change to the menu area 220, and the icons which were temporarily
removed, may once again be displayed.
[0110] Although the present example has described a method for
removing an icon on the wallpaper, examples are not limited
thereto, and a method for removing the icon in the conventional
menu screen may be applied. For example, a method for removing at
least one file on a file list screen may be applied. Furthermore,
although the present example has exemplified removal of a widget,
it should be apparent that the example may be used for removing
icons, a message, a file, a telephone number, a folder, and the
like.
[0111] FIGS. 7A-7G illustrate a method for removing an icon in a
mobile terminal and a method for storing the removed icon in a
mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0112] FIG. 7A illustrates the wallpaper 200, which may comprise an
icon display area 210 and a menu area 220. The icon display area
210 may display widgets, such as, a clock widget 211, a weather
widget 212, and a calendar widget 213. The menu area 220 may
display an executing icon, such as a text message icon 221, a call
icon 222, a telephone number icon 223, and an Internet icon
224.
[0113] In one example, if the user selects the weather widget 212
and drags the weather widget 212 toward the menu area 220, the menu
area 220 may change to a temporary removing area 311 and a
permanent removing area 312 as illustrated in FIG. 7B.
[0114] In another example, if a touch is input on the weather
widget 212 for a predetermined period of time, the menu area 220
may change to the temporary removing area 311 and the permanent
removing area 312. Thus, widgets other than the selected weather
widget 212 may be removed from the display if the menu area 220 is
changed to the temporary removing area 311 and the permanent
removing area 312.
[0115] Additionally, the controller 180 may temporarily delete the
weather widget 212 if the weather widget 212 is moved to a
predetermined vicinity of the temporary removing area 311, such as
the border on the temporary removing area 311 (FIG. 7C). As a
result of the removal, a removal completion message (not shown) may
be displayed on the display. Furthermore, after the removal is
complete, the removing area may change back to the menu area 220,
and the icons, which were temporarily removed from the display are,
may be displayed again (not shown).
[0116] FIG. 7D illustrates a second wallpaper 400 (similar to the
third wallpaper 200-2 of FIG. 5). The wallpaper 400 may include an
icon display area 410 and a menu area 420. The icon display area
may display icons, such as, a camera icon 401, a DMB icon 402, and
an MP3 icon 403. The menu area 420 may display executing icons,
such as, a text message icon, a call icon, a telephone number icon,
and an Internet icon.
[0117] As an example, if a touch, for a predetermined time period,
is input to the menu area 420, the menu area 420 may be changed to
a temporary removing area 421 and a permanent removing area 422
(FIG. 7E). The icons displayed on the icon display area 410 may be
removed when the menu area 420 changes to a temporary removing area
421 and a permanent removing area 422 (FIG. 7E). In this example, a
temporary removing list screen 430 may be displayed on the display
(FIG. 7F) if the temporary removing area 421 is selected. The
temporary removing list screen 430 may include temporarily removed
items 431-433, a restoration icon 444 and a permanent removal icon
445.
[0118] After the user selects an item from the list of temporarily
removed items, such as the weather widget item 431, the user may
then select either the restoration icon 444 or the permanent
removal icon 445. For example, the weather widget icon 212 would
subsequently be displayed on the second wallpaper (FIG. 7G) if the
user selects the restoration icon 444. The temporarily removed icon
is restored on the wallpaper currently displayed, as opposed to the
wallpaper which originally displayed the icon.
[0119] Conversely, a permanent removing list is displayed on the
display 151 if the permanent removing area 422 is selected.
However, the restored icon will be restored to the wallpaper which
originally displayed the icon.
[0120] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a method for removing an icon in
a mobile terminal according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0121] FIG. 8A illustrates a wallpaper 500 which may include an
icon display area 510 and a menu area. The icon display area may
display icons, such as, an MP3 icon 511, a message folder 512, and
a camera icon 513. The menu area may display an executing icon (not
shown).
[0122] As an example, if the user selects the message folder 512
and drags the message folder 512 towards the menu area, the menu
area may change to the removing area 520. Moreover, the other icons
displayed on the wallpaper 500 may be removed when the removing
area 520 is displayed (not shown).
[0123] Moreover, if the user drags the message folder 512 to a
predetermined vicinity of the removing area 520, such as the
border, a plurality of files within the message folder may be
removed. Additionally, preview screens 512-1, 512-2, 512-3 of the
message to be removed may be displayed and subsequently removed
(FIG. 8B)
[0124] Although the third example has described text message
removal, it should be apparent that the example may be applied to
any folder. According to the example, if the user removes the
folder, the user can check the files to be removed within the
folder.
[0125] Changing of the menu area is not limited to a display of a
removal area which displays removal icons. In an alternate
embodiment, functional icons may be displayed in the menu area in
response to the selection of an icon, file, or folder.
[0126] For example, various icons associated with different file
types, such as a music file, a movie file, or an image file, may be
displayed in the icon display area (not shown). When the user
selects an icon and performs an input for a predetermined period of
time, the menu area may change to display icons associated with
programs that may execute the selected file type.
[0127] According to the current example, if a user selects an MP3
file and performs an input for a predetermined period of time, the
menu area may change to display various programs which may play an
MP3 file, such as iTunes, WinAmp, and Windows Media Player. In
another example, if a movie file is selected and an input is
performed for a predetermined period of time, the menu area may
change to display program which may play a movie file, such as
QuickTime and Windows Media Player.
[0128] The embodiments disclosed above provide examples of a touch
and drag operation performed on a selected icon, wherein the
selected icon is dragged towards the menu area. In another
embodiment of the present invention, an icon may be visually
altered when selected and provide additional information when
dragged to a predetermined vicinity of the menu area.
[0129] For example, an icon display area may display a weather icon
and a clock icon, similar to FIG. 6A. If a user selects an icon,
such as the weather icon, and performs an input for a predetermined
period of time, the icon may be altered in appearance. For example,
the icon may increase or decrease in size, change in color, or be
highlighted. While the selected icon is dragged towards the menu
area, the change of appearance is maintained. Once the selected
icon is dragged to within a predetermined vicinity of the menu
area, such as the border of an icon displayed in the menu area,
additional information pertaining to the selected icon may be
displayed. For example, weather information, such as current
temperature and current conditions may be displayed if the selected
icon is the weather icon. The embodiment described above is not
limited to an icon and may be utilized with any item displayed in
the icon display area, such as a file or a folder.
[0130] The above-described methods can be implemented in a program
recorded medium as computer-readable codes. The computer-readable
media may include all kinds of recording devices in which data
readable by a computer system are stored. The computer-readable
media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tapes, floppy discs,
optical data storage devices, and the like for example and also
include carrier-wave type implementations (e.g., transmission via
Internet).
[0131] Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the present
disclosure may cover the modifications and variations of this
disclosure provided they come within the scope of the appended
claims and their equivalents.
[0132] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a
number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood
that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by
those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope
of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various
variations and modifications are possible in the component parts
and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within
the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims.
In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts
and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to
those skilled in the art.
* * * * *